What's a good quality alternative to large Tupperware containers?

[Jeff7]

I've got a nice Tupperware canister, about 5qt capacity.
The lid's cracking in two places after only a few years.
They offer a lifetime warranty. All I need to do is contact my local Authorized Tupperware Consultant and go to them for an exchange.
Great. The closest one is around 2hrs round trip. For a lid.

Even so, Tupperware has yet to fully embrace the Internet. They still have Tupperware Parties as a distribution method, though those can be organized online now.
(Until sometime in my late teens or early 20s, I thought that "Tupperware Party" was a running gag in sitcoms. My life has been so empty without plastic-container-oriented parties.)
I'd rather use something from a company with a more normal distribution model, but still get good quality.

I tried Oxo, Rubbermaid, Pyrex....none have anything quite comparable that also didn't get crap reviews.
For example, Rubbermaid had something in their Lock-Its lineup that looked close. But it had a swell of bad reviews, most of which were something of a problem, given the product's name: They don't always lock closed. Huh.


Something like Rubbermaid's Premier line would do just perfectly, but they don't make anything that large in that line. (5qts comfortably stores a bag of sugar or flour.)
I've seen some Premiers that are in that size range, but they're tall and thin. I like the Tupperware canister, it's around 7.5" inside diameter, and close to the same height: Very easy for scooping out the contents.

 

[lxskllr]

How about 4qt? Use a milk jug and funnel. Not the best looking, but cheap, and you get a free gallon of milk with every purchase.

 

[Carson Dyle]

I think the Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids storage container is one of the greatest designs in the history of mankind. And I say that only half-jokingly. (I've probably mentioned them in this forum before.)

The design, where the lids snap together and then snap to the bottom of the containers is a godsend for storing in the cupboard. They take up very little room compared to containers that don't nest and stack as well, so I can keep a lot more of them handy. They're available in a large range of sizes and are fairly inexpensive. There are always very good Black Friday sales on large sets of these.

I stack them six or seven deep on a shelf, with all the lids on the bottom and can easily grab the whole stack, take the size I need, grab the lid from the same stack and put them back. Everything snapping together makes them very easy to handle. They seal well, too, never had a problem there.

The only disadvantage to them is that they're a softer plastic, so they can discolor and pit when used to heat something in the microwave. I've been eyeing Rubbermaid's Premier storage containers, which are made from a harder plastic and have a similar stacking design, but they're a lot pricier.

 

[destrekor]

I think the Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids storage container is one of the greatest designs in the history of mankind. And I say that only half-jokingly. (I've probably mentioned them in this forum before.)

The design, where the lids snap together and then snap to the bottom of the containers is a godsend for storing in the cupboard. They take up very little room compared to containers that don't nest and stack as well, so I can keep a lot more of them handy. They're available in a large range of sizes and are fairly inexpensive. There are always very good Black Friday sales on large sets of these.

I stack them six or seven deep on a shelf, with all the lids on the bottom and can easily grab the whole stack, take the size I need, grab the lid from the same stack and put them back. Everything snapping together makes them very easy to handle. They seal well, too, never had a problem there.

The only disadvantage to them is that they're a softer plastic, so they can discolor and pit when used to heat something in the microwave. I've been eyeing Rubbermaid's Premier storage containers, which are made from a harder plastic and have a similar stacking design, but they're a lot pricier.

I have a set of the Premier.

They are terrific. Haven't owned them long enough to see if they will stain like cheaper containers.

Although here's a trick to try on stained containers: baking soda.
I've heard that specifically Washing Soda (Arm & Hammer laundry detergent) is the best at it, but I haven't a clue how accurate that is.

 

[Jeff7]

I think the Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids storage container is one of the greatest designs in the history of mankind. And I say that only half-jokingly. (I've probably mentioned them in this forum before.)

The design, where the lids snap together and then snap to the bottom of the containers is a godsend for storing in the cupboard. They take up very little room compared to containers that don't nest and stack as well, so I can keep a lot more of them handy. They're available in a large range of sizes and are fairly inexpensive. There are always very good Black Friday sales on large sets of these.

I stack them six or seven deep on a shelf, with all the lids on the bottom and can easily grab the whole stack, take the size I need, grab the lid from the same stack and put them back. Everything snapping together makes them very easy to handle. They seal well, too, never had a problem there.

Hmm....they do have a 1.5gal container in that line.

The only disadvantage to them is that they're a softer plastic, so they can discolor and pit when used to heat something in the microwave. I've been eyeing Rubbermaid's Premier storage containers, which are made from a harder plastic and have a similar stacking design, but they're a lot pricier.

Yeah, polypropylene/#5 plastic. Beloved by manufacturers because it's less than dirt cheap.
Also useful because damn near nothing sticks to it, but yes, it does stain easily.
I think the Premier is more brittle though, which is probably why they don't make them larger than 3.5qt. Those are quite nice. If they had 5qt Premier, this thread wouldn't exist.

I've used some fairly huge Pyrex mixing bowls. They're heavy, but I love glass. (It's just so damned inert.:$) No worries about staining that. I didn't see any glass containers in that size either though. Probably too heavy for most people. But.....glass.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I have a set of the Premier.

They are terrific. Haven't owned them long enough to see if they will stain like cheaper containers.

Although here's a trick to try on stained containers: baking soda.
I've heard that specifically Washing Soda (Arm & Hammer laundry detergent) is the best at it, but I haven't a clue how accurate that is.

Premier won't stain but they will eventually crack but they're guaranteed for life, you can contact Rubbermaid and they'll mail you a coupon to buy a new for free.

 

[destrekor]

Premier won't stain but they will eventually crack but they're guaranteed for life, you can contact Rubbermaid and they'll mail you a coupon to buy a new for free.

Nice! Had no idea.

 

[SP33Demon]

I prefer glass with the snap shut lids. Because plastic bottoms can leech shit into my food, and glass doesn't stain/is easier to clean. Currently using Pyrex.

 

[Imp]

I tried glass with snap-lock lids... they weighed a ton.

Then I started using plastic for cold stuff, transferred to glass to put in microwave. And then I gave up and just bought my lunch all the time because my food sucked, I hated using the shared microwave, and having to deal with washing anything in the crappy office sink.

 

[master_shake_]

http://www.amazon.com/VonShef-Vacuum-Saver-Sealer-System/dp/B00M6SQBBQ

vacuum saver.

don't have to worry about a seal when air can't penetrate.

http://www.core77.com/posts/11659/Lock-n-Lock-Vacuum-Sealer-Design-overkill

or this thing

 

[preCRT]

For storing something like 5lbs of flour or sugar, get the 4L Click Clack.

 

[destrekor]

I tried glass with snap-lock lids... they weighed a ton.

Then I started using plastic for cold stuff, transferred to glass to put in microwave. And then I gave up and just bought my lunch all the time because my food sucked, I hated using the shared microwave, and having to deal with washing anything in the crappy office sink.

bold: your first problem
underline: I just wait till I get home to wash any container.

I prefer glass with the snap shut lids. Because plastic bottoms can leech shit into my food, and glass doesn't stain/is easier to clean. Currently using Pyrex.

Plastics aren't exactly leeching a ton of chemicals all the time. The only time you really need to worry about any leeching is long term storage, and even then, hardly. The colder the plastic is, the less likely it is going to leech.

Now, if you microwave it, cheaper plastic will leech some, but unless you are getting containers that are made with BPA, there really isn't any concern.

In any case, one of many reasons why I won't be buying any more of the cheap flimsy containers and will be sticking to rigid BPA-free plastics like the Rubbermaid Premier line.

I'll likely get some Pyrex containers for storage of goods that aren't handled often and/or won't ever make the trip to work, but the Rubbermaid Premier containers are definitely going to remain the choice for toting leftovers to work.

 

[destrekor]

Premier won't stain but they will eventually crack but they're guaranteed for life, you can contact Rubbermaid and they'll mail you a coupon to buy a new for free.

:hmm:
http://www.rubbermaid.com/en-US/premier-rp091260--1

If you click on Warranty Information, it says it has a 1 year limited warranty.

 

[edro]

I think the Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids storage container is one of the greatest designs in the history of mankind. And I say that only half-jokingly.

I had 3 of them for about 6 months and loved them.
I recently got a 42 piece set on Amazon for $15 and threw away most of my other old crap.
I love them so far.
3 lid sizes, 2 bowl depths per lid size = 6 container sizes and 3 lid sizes
Very simple and easy to organize and STAY organized.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Yeah, I threw away a lot of older storage containers when I got those. I bought a couple of the larger ones that don't come in the sets, too. The 14 cup and 9 cup sizes are about 9" square and share the same lid. Great for salads and larger things.

The only other containers I have now in my cupboard are some of the thin, inexpensive ones made for freezer storage and a few Pyrex glass containers that I use for tomato sauces and chili. The Pyrex ones are just pain in the ass, though. They don't nest well and a stack of them is heavyl and hard to handle. That's why I might get few of the Rubbermaid Premier, to replace the glass.

 

[Linflas]

Did you try contacting the rep? I doubt the rep would make you take a 2 hour trip to deal with this. My mother sold this stuff for 30 years and she would deal with stuff like that through the mail or whatever was convenient.

 

[jlee]

Glasslock. Heavy, but awesome.

 

[shortylickens]

Rubbermaid.


Find it at Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

 

[ControlD]

I had 3 of them for about 6 months and loved them.
I recently got a 42 piece set on Amazon for $15 and threw away most of my other old crap.
I love them so far.
3 lid sizes, 2 bowl depths per lid size = 6 container sizes and 3 lid sizes
Very simple and easy to organize and STAY organized.

I am so doing this. I go into a half rage anytime I have to sort through the storage container cupboard looking a damned lid that fits the container I have in my hand. Serenity now.

 

[SP33Demon]

Glasslock. Heavy, but awesome.

Yeah I have 2 of the rectangular ones and actually like them more than the pyrex because they seal tighter. Quality stuff.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

I prefer glass with the snap shut lids. Because plastic bottoms can leech shit into my food, and glass doesn't stain/is easier to clean. Currently using Pyrex.

This. Not necessarily the Pyrex ones, but just in general glass with snap lids.

Plastic ones would:
-Melt in certain areas depending on heating/washing
-Stuff would almost get "burned in" to the plastic.
-Lids wouldn't shut all the way, or easily come off.
-Plastic would crack after enough use.

Glass ones have been awesome. Obviously a little more heavy, but well worth the quality of never replacing them instead of having a bunch of various stupid crappy plastic ones.

 

[Jeff7]

Did you try contacting the rep? I doubt the rep would make you take a 2 hour trip to deal with this. My mother sold this stuff for 30 years and she would deal with stuff like that through the mail or whatever was convenient.

Durr. Yeah, I can give that a go.

It's still such a bizarre distribution system to deal with.
Maybe it was fine in the 50s and 60s. It just seems weird and convoluted now. You can't even buy direct off their website.

Glasslock. Heavy, but awesome.

They do have something large. 19 cups. That looks like a good candidate. And it's glass.:wub:

 

[Carson Dyle]

Durr. Yeah, I can give that a go.

It's still such a bizarre distribution system to deal with.
Maybe it was fine in the 50s and 60s. It just seems weird and convoluted now. You can't even buy direct off their website.

I'm betting Tupperware would cease to exist without that distribution model. It makes the company what it is, more than the products themselves.

 

[Linflas]

Durr. Yeah, I can give that a go.

It's still such a bizarre distribution system to deal with.
Maybe it was fine in the 50s and 60s. It just seems weird and convoluted now. You can't even buy direct off their website.





They do have something large. 19 cups. That looks like a good candidate. And it's glass.:wub:

Seems strange to me as well but I have to think it must still be working for them or they would have changed by now. I can tell you my mother did very well selling it under the old system but that was all pre-internet and online sales. The company line for the party system was that the product had to be demonstrated in the home in order to justify the difference in price between it and whatever Rubbermaid was selling back then. There were decent incentives based on the amount of sales for the person hosting the party as well which ended up providing an endless stream of new leads from the attendees to the rep.

 

[Carson Dyle]

n/m ... just saw your last edit. Dry storage of flour, sugar?

The thing with wide, low canisters is they take up more counter space, which is why most are taller. But the larger ones should be able to handle a scoop pretty easily.